Passport and Visa for Vietnam
(Source: Nam Air)
1. Passport
To enter Vietnam, your passport must meet the following conditions:
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Validity: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned date of arrival.
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Blank pages: It must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
2. Visa exemption
Vietnam offers visa exemption to nationals of several countries. Since 15 August 2023, the conditions have been relaxed:
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European countries: Citizens of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom are exempt from a visa for stays of up to 45 days.
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ASEAN countries: Most ASEAN nationals are exempt for 14 to 30 days.
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Conditions: On arrival, you simply need to show your passport and, sometimes, proof of your return or onward ticket.
3. Vietnam E-Visa (electronic visa)
If you are not eligible for the exemption or wish to stay longer than 45 days, the E-visa is the simplest option.
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Validity: Up to 90 days, with options for a single entry or multiple entries.
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Procedure: The application is made entirely online via the official immigration portal: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/.
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Processing time: Usually 3 to 5 working days.
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Fees: About 25 USD for a single entry and 50 USD for multiple entries (non-refundable).
4. Visa on arrival
Note: This option is now mainly reserved for trips organised by travel agencies or for specific emergencies. You must obtain an approval letter before you leave. On arrival at one of the international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, etc.), you will need to present this letter and two passport photos, and pay the stamping fee in cash.
5. Practical tips
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Print your E-visa: Although the system is digital, it is strongly recommended to carry a paper copy of your E-visa to show at boarding and at immigration.
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Visa extension: At present, extending a tourist visa locally is complicated. It is advisable to plan the length of your stay and choose the right type of visa from the outset.
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Travel insurance: Although it is not compulsory for the visa, you are strongly advised to take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation.
Good to know
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Visa Do I need a visa?
Vietnam issues e-visas to nationals of many European countries. The conditions, the permitted length of stay and the open entry points change regularly. Read the guide -
Communication Phone and internet: how does it work?
Tourist SIM cards and eSIMs can be bought as soon as you land at the airport, simply by showing your passport. 4G covers all three regions; hotels and cafés all have Wi-Fi. Read the guide -
Health Do I need vaccinations?
No vaccinations are compulsory for travellers coming from Europe. Take out travel insurance covering medical expenses and pack mosquito repellent for the forest and the Mekong Delta. Read the guide -
On the street How do you cross the street through the motorbikes?
Walk slowly and at a steady pace, without stopping suddenly or stepping back: the riders will steer around you. Read the guide -
Safety How do I keep my belongings and documents safe?
Leave your passport in the hotel safe and carry a copy with you; in markets and busy streets, wear your bag in front of you. Read the guide -
Etiquette Pagodas and temples: what should you know?
Cover your shoulders and knees, take off your shoes before entering the sanctuary, speak quietly and ask permission before photographing local people. Read the guide -
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